Massage Therapist in South Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Carolina employs 1,840 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $58,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in South Carolina (May 2025)
- South Carolina median pay
- $58,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $17,340
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $74,040
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $95,540
- Employed in South Carolina
- 1,840
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major South Carolina markets:
- Charleston
- $62,140 (400 employed)
- Spartanburg
- $60,100 (270 employed)
- Columbia
- $59,310 (240 employed)
- Charlotte
- $58,930 (930 employed)
- Augusta
- $58,800 (130 employed)
- Greenville
- $48,730 (270 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Carolina
Prices in South Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,000 median stretches to roughly $61,900 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Carolina (2024–2034)
South Carolina is projected to grow massage therapists employment +18.4%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 430 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Carolina License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage/Bodywork Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the South Carolina LLR — Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy.
- Complete 650 hours of approved massage education (requirement expanded as of May 2024), including SC laws and supervised clinic hours.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the SC Board (must be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED).
Official requirements: South Carolina LLR — Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy →
Training in South Carolina
650 hours is on the higher end — choose an approved program. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Carolina include:
- Central Carolina Technical College — Certificate
- Greenville Technical College — Certificate
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College — Certificate
- Southeastern College-Charleston — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are physically strong, enjoy helping others, and want a licensed practice they can build independently.
Think twice if: Physical strain on hands and wrists, scheduling unpredictability as a self-employed practitioner, or close physical contact sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
First Steps
Check your state's hour requirement and find a state-licensed massage therapy school — programs range from 500 to 1,000 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in South Carolina?
The median wage for massage therapists in South Carolina is $58,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $17,340, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $95,540. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in South Carolina?
Licensed Massage/Bodywork Therapist (LMT), overseen by the South Carolina LLR — Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy. Complete 650 hours of approved massage education (requirement expanded as of May 2024), including SC laws and supervised clinic hours.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in South Carolina?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which South Carolina metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among South Carolina metro areas, Charleston leads at $62,140, followed by Spartanburg ($60,100), Columbia ($59,310). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Massage Therapist in South Carolina?
Real South Carolina options include Central Carolina Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in South Carolina?
South Carolina projects massage therapists employment to change +18.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 430 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), South Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the South Carolina LLR — Board of Massage/Bodywork Therapy (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET South Carolina wages · South Carolina licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.